With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, I’m in a serious Mexican mood. So there’s no better time to try Bakan (2801 NW 2nd Ave, Wynwood), Wynwood’s newest Mexican restaurant. The space is straight out of Tulum – earthy, artsy, and modern, with a cactus-lined outdoor bar and terrace.
Menu highlights: The artsy vibe of Bakan is coupled with un upscale take on Mexican food, while still keeping a focus on a connection to the earth. The dining experience is centered around three elements that date back to pre-hispanic times – nixtamal (aka corn), mezcal, and wood fire – all of which are incorporated into the dishes and drinks in one way or another.
A few menu highlights include the Guacamole, a simple blend of mashed avocados with lemon, chopped onion, serrano chile, fresh cilantro, and salt; the Ceviche Bakan Tostadas, fresh local caught fish, lime, habanero, red onion, cilantro, olive oil, and avocado puree sitting atop crunch blue corn tortillas; the Chilean Seabass with Mole Coloradito, wood fired fish swimming in a dried red chile-based mole from Oaxaca, with string beans, sesame seeds, and house rice; and crispy, crunchy, craveable Churros for dessert.
Standout dishes: As can be expected, the true standouts at Bakan are two takes on tacos, one from the land and one from the sea.
The traditional Carnitas Prensadas Tacos with pork pressed carnitas, guacamole, and pico de gallo are bite-sized beauties where the blue corn tortillas are a perfect vessel for the succulent and savory pork meat sitting inside.
Are we boozing? Did I mention that Bakan offers more than 500 mezcals and tequilas? One of the best ways to appreciate it and enjoy it is by pairing it with your food. Some may prefer a sip to pair with their food, but I’m more of a cocktail guy and there’s definitely plenty of options to choose from on their specialty cocktail and margarita menu.
A few favorites include the Pasión de Jamaica with infused hibiscus mezcal, passion fruit puree, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup; the Tulum Vibe with mezcal, triple sec, lime juice, and cucumber syrup; the Será Melon, Será Sandía with mezcal, triple sec, lime juice, and watermelon syrup; and the Verde Que Te Quiero Verde with fresh cilantro, fresh squeezed lemon juice, triple sec, and home-made simple syrup.
Check this place out if you like: Modern Mexican fare, which you can find a new hotspots like PEZ in Downtown Miami or mainstay favorites like Brickell’s Cantina La Veinte.
Mitch’s take: Until I’m finally able to make it to Tulum, Bakan will do just fine. It’s a great respite from the Wynwood madness with simple, quality, and tasty Mexican cuisine.
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